In Memory of Saffron 6/28/2023 – 5/7/2024
Despite our sweet ginger Saffron’s sunny disposition, he did not have the easiest start to his life. He and his sister Marigold were rescued by Friends of Rescue Animals, which supports the Garland Animal Shelter. They were rescued from a situation where, though they were dearly loved, they could not be provided for in the way that they needed developmentally. Both Saffron and Marigold were stunted from lack of proper nutrients in their diet, and Saffron actually had to have one of his eyes removed. During this time, they discovered that on top of their other issues, these sweet kitties had feline leukemia!
Naturally, that’s where Shadow Cats came in. They reached out to us, asking if we had space for these darling angels, and we took them both in December of 2023. While Marigold was much more reserved (and still is!), Saffron walked into Cookie’s Place after his isolation period like he knew he belonged. He could often be spotted with a little plush Christmas light cat toy hanging from his mouth, which we couldn’t take from him even well after December passed. Being the caring and sensitive brother he was, Saffron would sometimes bring said toy to wherever his sister happened to be, intent on coaxing her from hiding.
Saffron easily, warmly, wholly, and entirely melted our hearts.
We were quick to discover just how easygoing this sweet boy could be, and despite being a kitten, his energy was mellow. While his sister would run through Cookie’s Place and do laps, Saffron didn’t always feel the need to chase after her…but he loved to spectate, his head moving back and forth, following the trail of mischief with his eye. He never did let his lack of a working set stop him from doing anything. Robust in spirit, ardently affectionate, and just happy to be among friends, Saffron lived every day to its fullest potential.
Saffron made the best of friends in Cookie’s Place over time, always happy to frolic and play with his best friend Penelope, who he grew up with at the sanctuary. Pawl, ever curious about the sweet kittens, also became partial to Saffron. If you looked through the workroom doors in Harmony and through the window to Cookie’s Place, sometimes you could see a streak of black and orange running past. It never fails to bring a smile to our faces.
And oh, Saffron loved to be held! This noodle boy was happy to be on the receiving end of attention and never turned down a comfy shoulder. Lauren, one of our assistants, happened to be among his favorite. He even tolerated a cat sling a time or two, always ready to set forth on a new adventure in good and welcome company. Saffron taught us all to approach life with zeal and a grateful, open heart despite the challenges we face day to day. Saffron, eager to lean into our touch, content to be soft and untouched by the harshness of the world, taught us to let nothing harden our edges.
Saffron was a true angel on earth, and our hearts crumbled when it came time for him to gain his wings. He had struggled for an extended period of time with FeLV fevers, a common issue faced by cats with feline leukemia, but despite intensive and extensive veterinary care, his body couldn’t fight any longer, his organs infiltrated by the virus we know all too well. With his sweet, gentle eye, Saffron told us he was tired and ready to be reunited with Penelope.
Saffron left us just as he walked in this world: surrounded by love, loving hands, loving memories, tears born of the deepest love, a love that will not cease, a love to be remembered. Our angel, with cotton candy fur of the sweetest scent and softness, left us with the gifts and comforts his presence granted us, the lessons he taught. We will forever be grateful to Saffron, and we will never forget his perpetual wink, his eager affection, his chubby little muzzle, the brave heart he led his life with while he had it.
We can all stand to be a little more like Saffron.
Thank you to Vista Vet and Heart of Texas for the incredible care our Ron received in his lifetime, and for the valiant efforts made to right the effects of this horrible virus. Thank you to the staff that loved and cared for him every day and diligently monitored him in sickness, to Lauren who held him on her shoulder with a smile and a laugh. Thank you to the volunteers who grew to know and love all this sweet boy’s quirks and many attributes. Thank you to his sponsors, Hillary R. and Steven and Joan P. Thank you to all who looked at this sweet boy’s face and appreciated his natural tenderness and brave spirit.
We love you, Ron. We always will.
Saffron had 2 Sponsors
Hillary Rodgers
Steven and Joan Paine